#Techtextil 2022

2022-06-23

Two VDMA sustainability awards of the German textile machinery industry 2022 presented to young engineers from ITM

The awarding of the 2022 promotional prizes of the Walter Reiners Foundation of the VDMA, Textile Machinery Association, to students and young engineers from German universities for outstanding achievements in their studies took place on 22 June 2022 during Techtextil 2022 in Frankfurt/Main. The nationwide promotional awards were presented by Mr. Peter D. Dornier, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Walter Reiners Foundation, at the VDMA exhibition stand. For the first time, the focus of the selection of the submitted works was on sustainability.

Ms. M. Sc. Marina Andrea Michel was honored with the sustainability award "Best Master Thesis of German Textile Mechanical Engineering 2022", endowed with 3,500 EUR, for her master thesis "Functionalization of yarns by means of cyclodextrins for the filtration of micro- and nanoplastics, transfer to woven fabrics", which she worked on at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High-Performance Textile Materials Technology at TU Dresden.

Unsere diesjährigen Preisträger:innen vom ITM: M. Sc. Marina Andrea Michel und Simon Hoebel zur Verleihung mit Peter D. Dornier (2.v.re.) und Prof. Dr. Chokri Cherif (li.) © ITM/TUD

The subject of the master's thesis was a process for the textile-chemical finishing of yarn and fabric materials made from renewable raw materials with cyclodextrins that bind micro- and nanoplastics (MNP). The basic findings here demonstrate the outstanding potential of fiber-based filters made from these materials to significantly and sustainably minimize MNP pollution, both from local drinking water sources to global water cycles. The master's thesis, prepared by Ms. Michel, involves for the first time the creative and highly innovative application of cyclodextrin molecules to bind minute plastic particles of different shapes and molecular compositions.

Mr. Simon Hoebel received the sustainability award "Best Research Paper of the German Textile Mechanical Engineering 2022", endowed with 3,000 EUR, for his excellent research paper "Further development of the test rig for the production of flexible highly drapable thermoplastic fiber tape structures from recycled carbon fibers and thermoplastic fibers for highly stressable thermoplastic composite components", completed at the ITM.

The objective of the award-winning research work was to further develop a test rig as well as application-related technological know-how for the development and production of unidirectional highly drapable thermoplastic fiber tape structures made of recycled carbon fibers (rCF) and thermoplastic fibers (TFS) for highly stressable thermoplastic CFRP components. As part of the research, Mr. Hoebel investigated the entire process for producing highly drapable thermoplastic fiber tape structures from carding, drawing, tape doubling and consolidation. Thermoplastic UD composites were fabricated from the developed rCF-TFS and their mechanical properties were characterized. The results of the study work show the great potential of this novel process chain and the high-performance and sustainable thermoplastic fiber tape structures based on it using rCF.

Teaching Award for the Day Of The Faculty of mechanical science and engineering 2025

On June 28, 2025, almost 300 guests celebrated the Day of the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the Boulevardtheater Dresden. At this year's ceremony, over 60 graduates from the Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering and Natural Materials Technology and Material Science degree programs were given a ceremonial send-off into professional life, 9 doctoral graduates were congratulated on the successful completion of their dissertations and prizes worth a total of 13,500 euros were awarded.

Commissioning of the FRS 1800 high-temperature rheometer at the ITM

In March 2025, the new Furnace System 1800 (FRS 1800) high-temperature rheometer from Anton Paar was put into operation at the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden. The installation was carried out by Fabian Barth and Peter Brandes from Anton Paar in collaboration with Florian Pötzsch and Dr. Dilbar Aibibu from the ITM.

TU Dresden’s ITM and KOTMI sign MOU to promote research into recycled fibers and industrial textile applications

The Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) at TU Dresden and the Korea Textile Machinery Convergence Research Institute (KOTMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their collaboration in recycled fiber applications for industrial textile products. The agreement marks a significant step in fostering joint research and development in sustainable textile technologies.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.

Texprocess 2026: market overview for strategic future investments

At Texprocess 2026, 200 exhibitors from 28 countries will be represented. In a challenging market environment, the leading trade fair is a constant and reflects progress in textile processing – driven by automation, digitalisation and AI. In addition, international start-ups present their ideas and meet partners from industry and research. Techtextil takes place in parallel with an optimised hall layout.